What club do you currently play for?
KFC Queensland Breakers

How old were you when you started playing water polo and which club did you fist play for?   
I started playing when I was 12 for Tugun, which is now Brisbane Barracudas.

What’s your highlight to date in water polo?
Winning a silver medal in the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne. Playing in a grand final in front of a home crowd was a unique experience and although we didn’t win, it is still a great memory.

How many years have you been playing top level water polo for?
I first toured with the senior team in 2002 when I was still involved with Juniors. I also toured with the Seniors in the lead-up to the 2004 Olympics. I made my first team for a major event at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal.

What are your interests outside of the pool?
I recently graduated with a degree in occupational therapy, so I have an interest in health sciences which I hope to pursue and work in this field in the future.

What do you do in your down time?
I spend time with friends and family outside of water polo. It’s refreshing at times to be surrounded by something different and to talk about other things. I’m into all kinds of music and also love seeing live bands play.

Have you ever considered playing water polo professionally in Europe?
I played for Rari Nantes Florentia in Florence, Italy in 2006. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Playing and living in an amazing country like Italy was a fantastic opportunity and opened me up to a different side of the game.

Explain the feeling of playing for the AUSSIE STINGERS.
It’s a very special feeling and something that I never take for granted. It’s a huge honour to have the opportunity to play for and represent your country around the world. There is also a strong feeling of comradeship within our team and its heartening to know that every challenge is being faced together and with the support of the players beside you.

You have travelled extensity with the STINGERS. What country has left a lasting impression on you?
I have a soft spot for Italy, mainly because of the time I spent playing there. I love the people, the culture and the way of life. I also have very vivid memories of my first senior trip to Kirishi, Russia. It was like nowhere else I had been before and even though I have been back since, the newness of that first experience and touring St Petersberg is something I won’t forget.

What would your words of inspiration be to up and coming juniors here in Aus?
Water polo is a niche sport and playing it opens you up to very special experiences and a whole community of great people who can become friends for life. My biggest tip would be to be prepared to go above and beyond hard work if you want to play at the highest level.

Who would you rate as the,” best player you have ever played against/with?”   
I remember the first time I ever played against Sofia Konukh from Russia when I was still a junior at a tournament in Hawaii. She is an exceptional utility player. Saying that, you need look no further than the Australian women’s team for some of the world’s best. The girls I train with are some of the best players around in their positions.

How long do you see yourself playing water polo for?   
It is a huge commitment to play at the senior international level and not one to be taken lightly. You have to be able to maintain yourself physically and mentally, as well as make sacrifices in your personal life. Saying that, the rewards of playing at this level are priceless. I will play for as long as I am passionate about this sport and can maintain that commitment to my team mates. When I get to the point that I feel I can no longer do that, then it will be time to start the next chapter in my life.

Who was your inspiration to achieving so much in Water polo so far?   
A journey this big-how can you attribute it to one single person along the way? Every team mate I have played with, every coach I’ve had has taught me or left me with something different, whether it be a new skill or a new perspective on the game. My closest family and friends have also been pivotal in getting me this far.

Olympics are not too far away, what’s your preparation schedule like leading up to the games?
We have a fairly intense schedule leading up to the Olympics. We have a camp in Canberra and then Sydney. Following that are World League rounds in China, World League finals and some more training camps. It’s a very busy and exciting time!